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Lubiprostone for Treatment of Chronic Idiopathic Constipation

A Phase 3, Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Parallel-Group, Placebo-Controlled Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Lubiprostone for the Treatment of Chronic Idiopathic Constipation

Status
Completed
Phases
Phase 3
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT02695719
Enrollment
156
Registered
2016-03-01
Start date
2016-04-14
Completion date
2017-02-24
Last updated
2018-12-31

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Chronic Idiopathic Constipation

Keywords

Drug therapy

Brief summary

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral administration of lubiprostone 24 μg twice daily (BID) for 4 weeks in participants with chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) compared with placebo.

Detailed description

The drug being tested in this study is called lubiprostone. Lubiprostone is being tested to treat people who have chronic idiopathic constipation. This study will look at the frequency of spontaneous bowel movements (SBMs) in people who take lubiprostone compared to placebo. The study will enroll 150 participants. Participants will be randomly assigned (by chance, like flipping a coin) equally to one of the two treatment groups, which will remain undisclosed to the patient and study doctor during the study (unless there is an urgent medical need): * Lubiprostone 24 μg * Placebo (dummy inactive pill) - this is a capsule that looks like the study drug but has no active ingredient All participants will be asked to take one capsule with breakfast and one capsule with dinner each day throughout the study. All participants will be asked to record each time they have a SBM and all details of each SBM (including the consistency of the stool and the difficulty they have in passing it) in a diary. This multi-center trial will be conducted in South Korea. The overall time to participate in this study is 8 weeks. Participants will make multiple visits to the clinic, and will be contacted by telephone 14 days after last dose of study drug for a follow-up assessment.

Interventions

DRUGPlacebo

Lubiprostone placebo-matching capsules

DRUGLubiprostone

Lubiprostone capsules

Sponsors

Takeda
Lead SponsorINDUSTRY

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE (Subject, Caregiver, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
19 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

1. In the opinion of the investigator, the participant is capable of understanding and complying with protocol requirements. 2. The participant or, when applicable, the participant's legally acceptable representative signs and dates a written, informed consent form and any required privacy authorization prior to the initiation of any study procedures. 3. Has a history of constipation defined as having sudden bowel movement (SBM) frequency of less than 3 times per week on average for 6 months or longer and for whom the SBM frequency is confirmed to meet inclusion criteria observed during the Screening Period. 4. Has had 1 or more of the symptoms associated with SBM (described below) for 6 months or longer at the start of Screening: 1. Scybalum stool or hard feces in at least 1 out of every4 bowel movements. 2. Sensation of incomplete evacuation in at least 1 out of every 4 bowel movements. 3. Straining in at least 1 out of every 4 bowel movements. 5. Rarely has loose stools without the use of laxatives. 6. Is willing and able to keep a diary on his/her own and willing and able to complete a questionnaire. 7. Is male or female and aged 19 years or older, at the time of signing an informed consent. 8. A female participant of childbearing potential who is sexually active agrees to use routinely adequate contraception from signing of informed consent throughout the duration of the study and 14 days after the last dose of study drug.

Exclusion criteria

1. Has received any investigational compound within 30 days prior to Screening. 2. Has received lubiprostone in a previous clinical study or as a therapeutic agent. 3. Is an immediate family member, study site employee, or is in a dependent relationship with a study site employee who is involved in conduct of this study (eg, spouse, parent, child, sibling) or may consent under duress. 4. Has, in the judgment of the investigator, clinically significant abnormal hematological parameters of hemoglobin, hematocrit, or erythrocytes at Screening. 5. Has a history or clinical manifestations of significant mechanical obstruction (intestinal obstruction due to tumor, hernia etc). 6. Has a history of hypersensitivity or allergies to lubiprostone or any of its excipients. 7. Has a history of drug abuse (defined as any illicit drug use) or a history of alcohol abuse within 1 year prior to the Screening Visit. 8. Is required to take excluded medications. 9. If female, the participant is pregnant or lactating or intending to become pregnant before, during, or within 1 month after participating in this study; or intending to donate ova during such time period. 10. Participant whose constipation is considered to be due to drugs or to whom a prohibited concomitant medication has been administered. 11. Is having chronic constipation due to a secondary cause (medications, diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, depression, etc.) 12. Has sufficient criteria for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or functional defecation disorder. 13. Participant whose SBM frequency is 3 or more per week. 14. Participant whose SBM frequency has been less than 3 times per week for less than 6 months in duration or whose symptoms associated with SBM have been present for less than 6 months (hard feces, sensation of incomplete evacuation, or straining). 15. Has received treatment with a rescue medication within 24 hours prior to the first dose in the morning of Day 1: bisacodyl suppository, which is a standard laxative, glycerin enema, or any other rescue medication. 16. Has megacolon/megarectum or has received a diagnosis of intestinal pseudo-obstruction. 17. Has confirmed or suspected organic disorders of the large intestine (obstruction, stenosis, carcinoma, or inflammatory bowel disease). Organic disorders of the large intestine can be confirmed or ruled out using the results of enema X-ray examination or total colonoscopy performed in the previous 2 years. If the participant has no history or shows no current evidence of weight loss, anemia, or rectal bleeding, organic disorders may be ruled out based on the results of such testing performed in the past 3 years. Any participant in whom total colonoscopy has detected a polyp requiring treatment is excluded from this study. Note: Participant should not be screened unless at least 7 days have passed since an enema X-ray examination, sigmoidoscopy or total colonoscopy have been performed. 18. Has been hospitalized for gastrointestinal or abdominal surgery within 3 months prior to Screening. 19. Has a significant cardiovascular, liver, lung, kidney, neurological, or mental disease (including existing alcohol or drug abuse problem) or a systemic disease. 20. Has significant clinical findings or a significant abnormality has been found in hematology test, serum chemistry, or urinalysis. 21. Participant in whom noncompliance with the study protocol (administration schedule, visit schedule, diary completion or other study procedure) is expected. 22. Has a history of malignant disease (except basal cell carcinoma) within 5 years prior to Screening. 23. Has any screening abnormal laboratory value that suggests a clinically significant underlying disease or condition that may prevent the participant from entering the study; or the participant has: creatinine \>1.5 mg/dL, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and/or aspartate aminotransferase (AST) \>2 times the upper limit of normal (ULN), or total bilirubin \>2.0 mg/dL with AST/ALT elevated above the limits of normal values. 24. Participant who the investigator/subinvestigator has determined ineligible to participate in this study for any reason other than the above.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Spontaneous Bowel Movement (SBM) Frequency at Week 1Week 1A SBM was defined as any bowel movement (BM) that does not occur within 24 hours after rescue medication use (laxative, suppository, or enema). Participants will be given a diary to complete at home where they will record all details of each SBM including the consistency of the stool and the difficulty they have in passing it.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Percentage of Participants Who Had a SBM Within 24 Hours After the First Dose of Study MedicationUp to 24 hours after the first dose of study medicationA SBM was defined as any BM that does not occur within 24 hours after rescue medication use. Percentage of participants who have an SBM within 24 hours after the first dose will be assessed and derived from the data on SBMs collected in the participant diary.
Mean Degree of Straining ScoreWeeks 1, 2, 3 and 4For each participant, the mean degree of straining was averaged for all SBMs in a given week. The degree of straining for each SBM was collected in the participant diary. The degree of straining is scored on a 5-point scale where: 0=No straining, 1=Mild straining, 2=Moderate straining, 3=Strong straining or 4=Very strong straining with higher scores indicating more severe straining.
SBM Frequency at Weeks 2, 3 and 4Weeks 2, 3 and 4A SBM was defined as any BM that does not occur within 24 hours after rescue medication use. Participants will be given a diary to complete at home where they will record all details of each SBM including the consistency of the stool and the difficulty they have in passing it.
Weekly Abdominal Symptoms ScoreWeeks 1, 2, 3 and 4The abdominal symptoms (bloating and discomfort upon waking in the morning) were scored weekly on a 5-point scale, where: 0=None, 1=Mild, 2=Moderate, 3=Severe or 4=Very severe, with a higher score indicating more severe symptoms. Assessment of weekly abdominal symptoms were recorded by the participant in the diary.
Weekly Responder RateWeeks 1, 2, 3 and 4The responder rate was assessed each week and was derived from the data on SBMs collected in the diary. A non-responder was defined as any participant with a spontaneous BM frequency rate of less than 3 for a given week, any participant who dropped out during or before the given week due to lack of efficacy, or any participant who used rescue medication during or within 24 hours before the given week. Otherwise, the participant subject was considered a responder. A responder with a spontaneous BM frequency rate ≥3 but \<4 was considered a moderate responder. Otherwise, the participant was a full responder (≥4 SBM).
Mean Degree Stool Consistency ScoreWeeks 1, 2, 3 and 4For each participant, the mean stool consistency score was averaged for all SBMs in a given week. The mean degree of stool consistency for each SBM was collected in the participant diary based on the Bristol Stool Chart. The Bristol Stool Chart is a visual medical aid designed to classify the form of human feces into seven categories where: 1=Hard and round (difficult-to-pass), 2=Sausage-shaped but hard stool, 3=Sausage-shaped stool with cracks on the surface, 4=Sausage-shaped, soft stool with smooth surface, or coiled stool, 5=Soft, half-solid (and easy-to-pass) stool with clear crease, 6=Unshaped, loose stool with small, irregular-shaped pieces, or mushy stool or 7=Watery stool without solid pieces (entirely liquid).

Countries

South Korea

Participant flow

Recruitment details

Participants took part in the study at 13 investigative sites in Korea from 14 April 2016 to 24 February 2017.

Pre-assignment details

Participants with a diagnosis of chronic idiopathic constipation as determined by the Rome III Diagnostic Criteria for Functional Constipation were enrolled in 1:1 ratio to receive lubiprostone or placebo.

Participants by arm

ArmCount
Placebo
Lubiprostone placebo-matching capsules, orally, twice daily, under fed conditions, for up to 4 weeks
74
Lubiprostone 24 μg
Lubiprostone 24 μg, capsules, orally, twice daily, under fed conditions, for up to 4 weeks
82
Total156

Withdrawals & dropouts

PeriodReasonFG000FG001
Overall StudyPretreatment Event/Adverse Event29
Overall StudySignificant Protocol Deviation01
Overall StudyVoluntary Withdrawal10

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicPlaceboLubiprostone 24 μgTotal
Age, Continuous43.9 years
FULL_RANGE 15.95
44.6 years
FULL_RANGE 16.88
44.3 years
Body Mass Index (BMI)22.531 (kg/m^2)
STANDARD_DEVIATION 2.5836
22.623 (kg/m^2)
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3.1104
22.579 (kg/m^2)
STANDARD_DEVIATION 2.8638
Height163.4 cm
STANDARD_DEVIATION 6.65
162.2 cm
STANDARD_DEVIATION 7.83
162.7 cm
STANDARD_DEVIATION 7.3
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
Asian
74 participants82 participants156 participants
Region of Enrollment
Korea, Republic Of
74 participants82 participants156 participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
59 Participants66 Participants125 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
15 Participants16 Participants31 Participants
Smokers
Participant has never smoked
64 participants73 participants137 participants
Smokers
participant is a current smoker
4 participants3 participants7 participants
Smokers
Participant is an ex-smoker
6 participants6 participants12 participants
Weight60.32 kg
STANDARD_DEVIATION 9.434
59.78 kg
STANDARD_DEVIATION 11.218
60.05 kg
STANDARD_DEVIATION 10.38

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
EG001
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
0 / 740 / 81
other
Total, other adverse events
8 / 7428 / 81
serious
Total, serious adverse events
0 / 740 / 81

Outcome results

Primary

Spontaneous Bowel Movement (SBM) Frequency at Week 1

A SBM was defined as any bowel movement (BM) that does not occur within 24 hours after rescue medication use (laxative, suppository, or enema). Participants will be given a diary to complete at home where they will record all details of each SBM including the consistency of the stool and the difficulty they have in passing it.

Time frame: Week 1

Population: FAS included all participants who were randomized to receive study treatment whether or not they received treatment. Missing values were imputed by last observation carried forward (LOCF) method.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
PlaceboSpontaneous Bowel Movement (SBM) Frequency at Week 13.1 SBMs/weekStandard Deviation 1.75
Lubiprostone 24 μgSpontaneous Bowel Movement (SBM) Frequency at Week 14.4 SBMs/weekStandard Deviation 2.65
Comparison: Assuming equal allocation, a power of 90%, an alpha level of 0.05 for a 2-sided test, a placebo mean of 4 (standard deviation of 2.7), and a treatment mean of 5.9 (standard deviation of 4) for SBM frequency at Week 1 and using Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test, a total sample size of 146 is required. Analysis was conducted using van Elteren test.p-value: 0.00795% CI: [0.1, 1.9]Van Elteren Test
Secondary

Mean Degree of Straining Score

For each participant, the mean degree of straining was averaged for all SBMs in a given week. The degree of straining for each SBM was collected in the participant diary. The degree of straining is scored on a 5-point scale where: 0=No straining, 1=Mild straining, 2=Moderate straining, 3=Strong straining or 4=Very strong straining with higher scores indicating more severe straining.

Time frame: Weeks 1, 2, 3 and 4

Population: FAS included all participants who were randomized to receive study treatment whether or not they received treatment. Missing values were imputed by LOCF method.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
PlaceboMean Degree of Straining ScoreWeek 12.3 scores on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.93
PlaceboMean Degree of Straining ScoreWeek 22.2 scores on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.92
PlaceboMean Degree of Straining ScoreWeek 32.1 scores on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.87
PlaceboMean Degree of Straining ScoreWeek 42.1 scores on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.88
Lubiprostone 24 μgMean Degree of Straining ScoreWeek 41.9 scores on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.03
Lubiprostone 24 μgMean Degree of Straining ScoreWeek 12.0 scores on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.01
Lubiprostone 24 μgMean Degree of Straining ScoreWeek 32.0 scores on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.04
Lubiprostone 24 μgMean Degree of Straining ScoreWeek 22.0 scores on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.02
Secondary

Mean Degree Stool Consistency Score

For each participant, the mean stool consistency score was averaged for all SBMs in a given week. The mean degree of stool consistency for each SBM was collected in the participant diary based on the Bristol Stool Chart. The Bristol Stool Chart is a visual medical aid designed to classify the form of human feces into seven categories where: 1=Hard and round (difficult-to-pass), 2=Sausage-shaped but hard stool, 3=Sausage-shaped stool with cracks on the surface, 4=Sausage-shaped, soft stool with smooth surface, or coiled stool, 5=Soft, half-solid (and easy-to-pass) stool with clear crease, 6=Unshaped, loose stool with small, irregular-shaped pieces, or mushy stool or 7=Watery stool without solid pieces (entirely liquid).

Time frame: Weeks 1, 2, 3 and 4

Population: FAS included all participants who were randomized to receive study treatment whether or not they received treatment. Missing values were imputed by LOCF method.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
PlaceboMean Degree Stool Consistency ScoreWeek 13.2 scores on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.04
PlaceboMean Degree Stool Consistency ScoreWeek 23.3 scores on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.19
PlaceboMean Degree Stool Consistency ScoreWeek 33.3 scores on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.04
PlaceboMean Degree Stool Consistency ScoreWeek 43.3 scores on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.08
Lubiprostone 24 μgMean Degree Stool Consistency ScoreWeek 44.1 scores on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.22
Lubiprostone 24 μgMean Degree Stool Consistency ScoreWeek 14.2 scores on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.38
Lubiprostone 24 μgMean Degree Stool Consistency ScoreWeek 34.1 scores on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.21
Lubiprostone 24 μgMean Degree Stool Consistency ScoreWeek 24.3 scores on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.27
Secondary

Percentage of Participants Who Had a SBM Within 24 Hours After the First Dose of Study Medication

A SBM was defined as any BM that does not occur within 24 hours after rescue medication use. Percentage of participants who have an SBM within 24 hours after the first dose will be assessed and derived from the data on SBMs collected in the participant diary.

Time frame: Up to 24 hours after the first dose of study medication

Population: FAS included all participants who were randomized to receive study treatment whether or not they received treatment. Here, number of participants analyzed is the participants who were evaluated for this outcome measure.

ArmMeasureValue (NUMBER)
PlaceboPercentage of Participants Who Had a SBM Within 24 Hours After the First Dose of Study Medication35.1 percentage of participants
Lubiprostone 24 μgPercentage of Participants Who Had a SBM Within 24 Hours After the First Dose of Study Medication56.8 percentage of participants
Secondary

SBM Frequency at Weeks 2, 3 and 4

A SBM was defined as any BM that does not occur within 24 hours after rescue medication use. Participants will be given a diary to complete at home where they will record all details of each SBM including the consistency of the stool and the difficulty they have in passing it.

Time frame: Weeks 2, 3 and 4

Population: FAS included all participants who were randomized to receive study treatment whether or not they received treatment. Missing values were imputed by LOCF method.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
PlaceboSBM Frequency at Weeks 2, 3 and 4Week 33.4 SBMs/weekStandard Deviation 1.98
PlaceboSBM Frequency at Weeks 2, 3 and 4Week 23.2 SBMs/weekStandard Deviation 1.8
PlaceboSBM Frequency at Weeks 2, 3 and 4Week 43.2 SBMs/weekStandard Deviation 1.75
Lubiprostone 24 μgSBM Frequency at Weeks 2, 3 and 4Week 24.2 SBMs/weekStandard Deviation 2.39
Lubiprostone 24 μgSBM Frequency at Weeks 2, 3 and 4Week 34.1 SBMs/weekStandard Deviation 2.42
Lubiprostone 24 μgSBM Frequency at Weeks 2, 3 and 4Week 44.0 SBMs/weekStandard Deviation 2.31
Secondary

Weekly Abdominal Symptoms Score

The abdominal symptoms (bloating and discomfort upon waking in the morning) were scored weekly on a 5-point scale, where: 0=None, 1=Mild, 2=Moderate, 3=Severe or 4=Very severe, with a higher score indicating more severe symptoms. Assessment of weekly abdominal symptoms were recorded by the participant in the diary.

Time frame: Weeks 1, 2, 3 and 4

Population: FAS included all participants who were randomized to receive study treatment whether or not they received treatment. Missing values were imputed by LOCF method.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
PlaceboWeekly Abdominal Symptoms ScoreAbdominal Bloating, Week 11.9 scores on a sclaeStandard Deviation 1.03
PlaceboWeekly Abdominal Symptoms ScoreAbdominal Discomfort, Week 11.9 scores on a sclaeStandard Deviation 1.13
PlaceboWeekly Abdominal Symptoms ScoreAbdominal Bloating, Week 31.7 scores on a sclaeStandard Deviation 0.9
PlaceboWeekly Abdominal Symptoms ScoreAbdominal Discomfort, Week 21.7 scores on a sclaeStandard Deviation 1.04
PlaceboWeekly Abdominal Symptoms ScoreAbdominal Bloating, Week 21.8 scores on a sclaeStandard Deviation 0.96
PlaceboWeekly Abdominal Symptoms ScoreAbdominal Discomfort, Week 31.6 scores on a sclaeStandard Deviation 1.03
PlaceboWeekly Abdominal Symptoms ScoreAbdominal Bloating, Week 41.6 scores on a sclaeStandard Deviation 1.05
PlaceboWeekly Abdominal Symptoms ScoreAbdominal Discomfort, Week 41.5 scores on a sclaeStandard Deviation 1.09
Lubiprostone 24 μgWeekly Abdominal Symptoms ScoreAbdominal Discomfort, Week 41.4 scores on a sclaeStandard Deviation 1.09
Lubiprostone 24 μgWeekly Abdominal Symptoms ScoreAbdominal Bloating, Week 11.7 scores on a sclaeStandard Deviation 0.93
Lubiprostone 24 μgWeekly Abdominal Symptoms ScoreAbdominal Bloating, Week 21.5 scores on a sclaeStandard Deviation 1
Lubiprostone 24 μgWeekly Abdominal Symptoms ScoreAbdominal Bloating, Week 31.5 scores on a sclaeStandard Deviation 1.05
Lubiprostone 24 μgWeekly Abdominal Symptoms ScoreAbdominal Bloating, Week 41.4 scores on a sclaeStandard Deviation 0.98
Lubiprostone 24 μgWeekly Abdominal Symptoms ScoreAbdominal Discomfort, Week 11.5 scores on a sclaeStandard Deviation 1.01
Lubiprostone 24 μgWeekly Abdominal Symptoms ScoreAbdominal Discomfort, Week 21.5 scores on a sclaeStandard Deviation 1.02
Lubiprostone 24 μgWeekly Abdominal Symptoms ScoreAbdominal Discomfort, Week 31.4 scores on a sclaeStandard Deviation 1.07
Secondary

Weekly Responder Rate

The responder rate was assessed each week and was derived from the data on SBMs collected in the diary. A non-responder was defined as any participant with a spontaneous BM frequency rate of less than 3 for a given week, any participant who dropped out during or before the given week due to lack of efficacy, or any participant who used rescue medication during or within 24 hours before the given week. Otherwise, the participant subject was considered a responder. A responder with a spontaneous BM frequency rate ≥3 but \<4 was considered a moderate responder. Otherwise, the participant was a full responder (≥4 SBM).

Time frame: Weeks 1, 2, 3 and 4

Population: FAS included all participants who were randomized to receive study treatment whether or not they received treatment. Missing values were imputed by LOCF method.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (NUMBER)
PlaceboWeekly Responder RateModerate Responders, Week 127.0 percentage of participants
PlaceboWeekly Responder RateModerate Responders, Week 224.3 percentage of participants
PlaceboWeekly Responder RateModerate Responders, Week 324.3 percentage of participants
PlaceboWeekly Responder RateModerate Responders, Week 420.3 percentage of participants
PlaceboWeekly Responder RateFull Responders, Week 131.1 percentage of participants
PlaceboWeekly Responder RateFull Responders, Week 232.4 percentage of participants
PlaceboWeekly Responder RateFull Responders, Week 337.8 percentage of participants
PlaceboWeekly Responder RateFull Responders, Week 435.1 percentage of participants
Lubiprostone 24 μgWeekly Responder RateFull Responders, Week 450.0 percentage of participants
Lubiprostone 24 μgWeekly Responder RateModerate Responders, Week 118.3 percentage of participants
Lubiprostone 24 μgWeekly Responder RateFull Responders, Week 156.1 percentage of participants
Lubiprostone 24 μgWeekly Responder RateModerate Responders, Week 223.2 percentage of participants
Lubiprostone 24 μgWeekly Responder RateFull Responders, Week 352.4 percentage of participants
Lubiprostone 24 μgWeekly Responder RateModerate Responders, Week 324.4 percentage of participants
Lubiprostone 24 μgWeekly Responder RateFull Responders, Week 258.5 percentage of participants
Lubiprostone 24 μgWeekly Responder RateModerate Responders, Week 424.4 percentage of participants

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026